Did You Recently Have an Accident in an Intersection in Portland?
Are You Feeling Overwhelmed and Unsure About What to Do Next?
Our team at Goldberg & Loren is composed of experienced Portland intersection accident lawyers who are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand the confusion and stress you may be feeling, which is why we are committed to guiding you through the legal process every step of the way.
Don't let your accident go unnoticed. Goldberg & Loren have a proven track record of success and will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, damages, pain, and suffering.
Contact us at (971) 339-8080 today for a free consultation and take the first step towards receiving justice and compensation. Your road to recovery starts now.
There are typically between 10,000 and 12,000 reported crashes in Portland each year. The Oregon Department of Transportation compiles information about these crashes to create the state’s official crash record. [1]
What to Do After a Portland Intersection Accident
Here's what you should know:
- Safety first: Make sure you and anyone else involved in the accident are in a safe location, and seek medical attention if necessary. If you're able, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic.
- Call the police: Even if the accident seems minor, it's important to have a police report filed. This can provide valuable evidence to support your insurance claims or any legal action you may take later on.
- Exchange information: Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Also get contact information for any eyewitnesses.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any injuries. Note the location, weather conditions, and any other relevant details.
- Don't admit fault: Even if you think you might have caused the accident, don't say so to the other driver(s) or the police. Admitting fault can harm your ability to receive compensation later on.
- Contact your insurance company: Report the accident as soon as possible to your insurance company, and cooperate with them in their investigation. However, don't give a recorded statement or sign any forms without consulting with an attorney first.
- Contact an experienced intersection accident attorney: An attorney at Goldberg & Loren can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. They can also advise you on any potential legal claims you may have.
By taking these steps and being proactive, you can better protect your legal rights and ensure that you can recover physically and financially after an intersection accident.
Common Causes of Intersection Accidents in Portland
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of intersection accidents. Drivers who are texting, using a phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions are more likely to run red lights, fail to see oncoming traffic, or make other mistakes that lead to dangerous collisions.
Drunk Drivers
Drunk driving is a serious problem that can lead to devastating intersection accidents.
Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination, increasing the odds of a collision.
Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in drunk driving accidents.
Negligent Drivers
Negligence is a common factor in many intersection accidents. Drivers who fail to obey traffic laws or who engage in reckless driving behaviors are more likely to cause collisions.
Examples of negligent driving include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running red lights
- Speeding
If you have been involved in an intersection accident caused by a negligent driver, an experienced attorney can help you hold the driver responsible and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Our personal injury lawyers at Goldberg & Loren can investigate the facts of the accident, gather evidence, and fight for your rights in court if necessary. With the help of an attorney, you can ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Failing to Obey Traffic Laws and Signals
Failing to obey traffic laws and signals is a leading cause of intersection accidents. Drivers who disobey traffic signals, stop signs, and other signs of the road are more likely to cause collisions, particularly at busy intersections.
Such accidents can be especially dangerous, resulting in serious injuries or death to those involved.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are another common type of intersection accident. These collisions can occur when a driver is following too closely, driving too fast for the conditions, or fails to stop in time at an intersection.
In many cases, these collisions occur due to distracted driving, such as using a cell phone or other electronic device while driving.
Rear-end collisions can result in serious injuries, particularly to the neck and spine, and can cause significant damage to vehicles.
There are about 2.5 million rear-end collisions per-year in the United States, making up roughly 29% of all accidents on the road. [2]
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents at intersections are unfortunately all too common and can result in devastating injuries and oftentimes death.
Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in intersections, as they have no protection from the impact of a moving vehicle. Many pedestrian accidents occur due to drivers failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians.
This can happen when drivers are distracted, speeding, or simply not paying attention. Other factors that may contribute to pedestrian accidents at intersections include poor visibility due to weather or lighting conditions, driver impairment such as intoxication, and negligent road design.
Oregon Walks assembled a team of volunteers and experts to gather and review documentation from all 48 fatal pedestrian crashes in Portland from 2017 through 2019.
The team looked at police reports, roadway designs, and driver and pedestrian behaviors, and prepared what may be the most comprehensive look at pedestrian crashes by safety advocates in Portland’s history.
The goal of the Oregon Walks Fatal Pedestrian Crash Report is to provide a strong analytical basis to focus and guide transportation planning and pedestrian advocacy efforts in Portland. [3]
Compensation in Portland intersection Accident Cases
Medical Expenses
After an intersection accident, medical expenses can quickly add up. This could include emergency medical care, hospital stays, surgical procedures, medications, physical therapy, and more.
Our attorneys at Goldberg & Loren can help you gather the necessary documentation to support your medical expenses claim, such as medical bills, diagnosis, and treatment records.
We can also work with medical providers to obtain an accurate picture of your current and future medical needs.
By building a strong case and advocating on your behalf, our team of attorneys can ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and get the medical treatment necessary to make a full recovery.
Lost Wages
This type of compensation can help cover the financial strain of missed paychecks due to time off work for recovery or rehabilitation. In order to obtain this kind of compensation, it is important to document the missed work days and calculate the estimated amount of lost wages.
Victims may also need to provide medical evidence of their injuries and how they have impacted their ability to work.
Working with experienced attorneys at Goldberg & Loren can help navigate the legal process and seek fair and just compensation for lost wages. This can include not only current lost wages, but also compensation for future lost earning potential if the injuries are severe enough to have a long-term impact on the victim's ability to work.
With proper legal representation, victims can focus on their recovery and know that their financial recovery is being pursued.
Pain & Suffering Damages
Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain and emotional pain one experiences as a result of an accident injury. This can include chronic pain, emotional distress, depression, and anxiety.
In an intersection accident, the impact of the collision can cause significant pain and suffering, which can have a major impact on the victim's life and well-being.
Our attorneys at Goldberg & Loren will work with medical experts to document your condition and will present this evidence to insurance companies or in court.
We will also fight to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your injuries and damages, including pain and suffering.
Reasons to Hire a Portland Intersection Accident Attorney
There are many reasons to hire a lawyer, including their knowledge and expertise in various areas of the law, such as personal injury claim, insurance, and litigation. An auto accident lawyer at Goldberg & Loren can help you gather evidence to prove fault and liability, calculate and pursue appropriate compensation for your losses, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Goldberg & Loren's experienced lawyers will provide invaluable guidance and support throughout every stage of your case, answering your questions and keeping you informed of your rights and options.
By hiring us, you increase your chances of a successful case and maximize the amount of compensation you receive.
Each year roughly one–quarter of traffic fatalities and about one–half of all traffic injuries in the United States are attributed to intersections. That is why intersections are a national, state and local road safety priority, and a program focus area for FHWA. [4]
What to Look for in a Portland Intersection Accident Lawyer
Here are some things to look for:
- Experience: You want an attorney who has experience handling intersection accidents. Look for a lawyer who focuses on personal injury law and has successfully handled similar cases in the past.
- Communication: Your attorney choose should be easy to communicate with and responsive to your needs. During your free consultation, pay attention to how the lawyer answers your questions and whether they take the time to listen to your concerns.
- Track record: Ask about the attorney's track record of success in handling intersection accident cases. Look for an attorney who has obtained significant settlements or verdicts for clients in the past.
- Fees: Make sure you understand the attorney's fee structure before signing a retainer agreement. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they do not get paid unless they win your case.
- Resources: Look for an attorney who has the resources to fully investigate your case and pursue all available legal remedies. This may include hiring accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other consultants to build a strong case on your behalf.
By considering these factors when choosing an attorney, you can improve your chances of finding a qualified and effective lawyer to represent you after an intersection accident.
Here at Goldberg & Loren, we have the experience and expertise you are looking for.
Were You Recently Involved in an Intersection Accident and Seeking Legal Services?
Look no further than Goldberg & Loren law firm, Portland's trusted intersection accident lawyers. Our experienced team has a proven track record of success in fighting for the rights of accident victims and securing the compensation they deserve.
You deserve justice, and we are committed to helping you every step of the way. From dealing with insurance companies to filing legal claims, we've got you covered. Don't let the stress of navigating the legal system consume you - let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery.
If you're seeking reliable and compassionate legal representation for your intersection accident claim case, contact Goldberg & Loren today.
Sources:
[1] How Crash Data Works. (n.d.). Portland.gov. https://www.portland.gov/transportation/vision-zero/crash-data
[2] Mackin, S. (2021, May 29). 7 Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Portland, OR. Mackin’s Auto Body. https://www.mackinsab.com/blog/most-common-types-of-car-accidents-portland/
[3] Oregon Walks Fatal Pedestrian Crash Report – Oregon Walks. (n.d.). Oregon Walks Fatal Pedestrian Crash Report – Oregon Walks. https://oregonwalks.org/fatal-pedestrian-crash-report/
[4] About Intersection Safety | FHWA. (n.d.). About Intersection Safety | FHWA. https://highways.dot.gov/safety/intersection-safety/about
